The University of Westminster celebrated Brain Awareness Week from 10 to 14 March, hosting a diverse range of events aimed at promoting brain health, neuroscience research and neurodiversity awareness. Open to students, colleagues and the general public, the events on Cavendish Campus were designed to foster a deeper understanding of the brain while encouraging discussions on mental and neurological well-being.
Brain Awareness Week is an international initiative led by the Dana Foundation, with institutions worldwide taking part to promote enthusiasm and support for neuroscience research. At Westminster, the event was organised by the Schools of Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Arts, as well as the Brain Matters Neuroscience Society from the University of Westminster’s Students’ Union (UWSU). The program featured symposia, workshops, practical sessions and interactive discussions, providing participants with valuable insights into the latest neuroscience developments and brain health practices.
The week started with a Neuroscience Symposium featuring Westminster scientists and guest speakers from the British Neuroscience Association (BNA) including Dr Ana Dorrego-Rivas, Phoebe Reynolds, Dr Sonya Makhmood and Dr Adam Liston. Discussions explored the latest cutting-edge research in neuroscience, providing attendees with a broad perspective on current developments in the field. Key contributors included event organiser Dr Joan Liu from the School of Life Sciences, who presented on cognitive decline and seizure-induced protein changes in epilepsy, Dr Laura Boubert from the School of Social Sciences who delivered a talk on the cognitive basis of hallucinations and Dr Phoebe Cummings from the School of Arts on clay as a catalyst in the teaching of neuroanatomy. Other speakers can be found at the Westminster Neuroscience page.
This was followed by the Brain Health and Brain Care workshop series which included multisensory awareness and singing with Valeria Perboni, nutrition advice from Dr Claire Robertson for better brain health, an interactive mindfulness practice with Dr Trudi Edginton, neurodiversity and wellbeing with Rebbeca Parkin and Anysea Sorrentino and a yoga session with Dr Tina Cartwright.
At the brain tissue staining practical led by Dr Joan Liu and Dr Maria Ashioti, participants had the unique opportunity to engage in a hands-on neuroscience experiment using tissue staining techniques. Students labelled brain cells such as neurons, interneurons and astroglia in mice’s brain tissue and got to visualise the location and amount of the cells under the field microscope.
A guided tour of the Gordon Museum of Pathology at King’s College London with Dr Nadege Presneau and Dr Ilias Kazanis provided insight into the historical and medical significance of brain research. Later in the day, a Brain and Clay creative arts session with Phoebe Cummings, Dr Joan Liu and the Brain Matters Neuroscience Society offered a hands-on artistic approach to understanding the brain through sculpture and design.
The final day of the week was dedicated to understanding the impact of brain injuries. Professor Catherine Loveday provided an overview of the neurobiology of brain injury, followed by a film screening of The Magic of Chaos, co-created by brain injury survivor members of Headway East London. The event culminated in exploring the lived experience of brain injury survivors, in a panel session where Dr Laura Boubert interviewed Joy Allen, Igor Bernhardt, Tom Biggart, Emma Dobinson, Sharon Dunbar, Marie-Claire Nonchalente and Westminster alumnus Michael Otoo. Dr Nadege Presneau, cancer scientist and brain tumour survivor, shared her experience of epilepsy.
The event concluded with a neurodiversity social evening, celebrating the talents and creativity of neurodivergent individuals, including a comedy performance with a twist.
Dr Joan Liu, Senior Lecturer in Cellular Pathology, said: “It is fantastic to work and connect with the BNA, colleagues and students from across different schools and research centres at the University of Westminster and members of the general public to actively celebrate neuroscience research and to educate and promote good practices to improve brain health and wellbeing.”
These events directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about research conducted at the University.
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